Vandalism a recurring problem at C-Falls grandstands
Glacier Babe Ruth has rising concerns about vandalism at the Sapa-Johnsrud field grandstands in Columbia Falls.
Over the past several months, doors have been damaged or broken and the rope that holds up the netting behind the backstop has been cut.
The wooden grandstands were destroyed in a fire in June 2016 after kids playing with fireworks started garbage on fire under the stands.
They were rebuilt in 2018, but since then, there seems to be a lack of respect for the stands by some youth, said Glacier Babe Ruth President June Olsen.
“The community raised the funds to rebuild the stands,” she said. “Now [vandals] are destroying it before we can get it finished.”
Olsen said the organization would like to install a security system, but with the pandemic, one of its main auction fundraisers was put on hold.
The Columbia Falls Police Association has shown a willingness to help with some of the finances for a security system and discussions on how best to implement one are ongoing, Police Chief Clint Peters said.
Peters said the grandstands are regularly patrolled on a nightly basis, because they are an attraction.
— Hungry Horse News
Eureka Dispatch District asks for tax increase
Voters in the Eureka Dispatch District will be asked to approve a new four-mill levy on the Nov. 3 election ballot, the Tobacco Valley News reports.
The levy would cost taxpayers roughly $5.40 per $100,000 in assessed property value. It would bring in about $67,000 annual to the district, which has the same boundaries as the Lincoln County High School District.
— Tobacco Valley News
Troy mulls ways to promote the city
A community improvement event spearheaded by a state association brought Troy residents and local officials to the drawing board in search of concrete projects to promote the city.
Organizers with the Montana Economic Developers Association led the Sept. 28 brainstorm meeting about how Troy could improve housing, youth and family services, broadband connectivity and access to natural resources.
Troy City Council member Shawna Kelsey suggested organizing a workshop for aspiring landlords in mid-November to share resources on low income rental opportunities, writing rental contracts and filling out rental applications.
Sharee Miller, a resident of Troy, pitched the idea of a business resource page on the city’s chamber of commerce website. By consolidating information on how to launch and maintain an enterprise, Miller said the group could help more potential small businesses owners get their start in the area.
Residents and local officials also discussed developing the chamber-museum-frisbee golf area to promote outdoor recreation during the meeting.
— The Western News
C-Falls Junior High gets new principal
Columbia Falls Junior High School has a new principal in Chinook native Ted Miller. Miller was previously a principal at Fort Shaw Elementary School north of Great Falls.
Miller received his undergraduate degree from Montana State University Northern in Havre and his master’s degree from the University of Montana.
Now 38, he taught for 10 years before transitioning into the principal role.
His wife, Jenny teaches kindergarten at Glacier Gateway and the couple have twin girls in the fifth grade, also at Gateway.
Miller said his philosophy as a principal is simple.
“My main role is to support the teachers,” he said, and keep a team atmosphere.
He noted the school already has unique programs for a junior high, including a large garden and a great shop program.
“We have a great staff,” he said. “They’re dedicated to Columbia Falls, the students and the community,” he said.
— Hungry Horse News
Sewer and water projects progressing in Whitefish
Two major infrastructure projects for the City of Whitefish are well underway in Whitefish.
The construction of the city’s new wastewater treatment plant south of town began over the winter and the expansion of the water treatment plant on the north side of town began this fall.
Swank construction is the general contractor on both projects.
Construction on the wastewater treatment plant is about 40% complete. The total cost of the project is $24.8 million and has been designed to meet more stringent state standards for treatment and serve the city up to a population of 20,000.
— Whitefish Pilot